How to Style a Summer Dress
A staple summer dress is a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe. They keep you cool, add a feminine touch to your look and are easy to dress up and down for any occasion. There are many ways to wear a summer dress, so deciding which styles and silhouettes suit you best can be difficult.
Here at Yumi, we adore the sophisticated designs of our women’s summer dresses, so we’ve created a guide to help you to style yours. Read on to discover our go-to garments, shoes and accessories to create the ultimate smart and casual looks guaranteed to make you feel your best.
Contents
1.1. A-line
1.2. Bodycon
1.3. Shirt
1.4. Wrap
2.1. Add a jacket
2.2. Layer your dress with knitwear
3.1. Casual trainers
3.2. Heels
Different types of summer dresses
There are various styles of women’s summer dresses, including a-line, bodycon, shirt, wrap and more.
A-line
An A-line dress typically features a fitted bodice and a hem much wider than its shoulders, so its skirt creates a flared out effect. It is cinched at the waist, which creates a beautiful hourglass silhouette.
Bodycon
Bodycon dresses are ideal for accentuating any body shape, as they hug your figure and highlight your curves. They are typically made from comfortable, stretchy fabrics to conform to your body shape and are available in various lengths and designs.
Shirt
Shirt dresses take inspiration from the masculine silhouette of a men’s shirt, adding a gorgeous feminine touch. They tend to feature a structured collar, button front and cuffed sleeves, contrasted by a long, flowing skirt that helps achieve an exquisite balance.
Wrap
A wrap dress features an adjustable front closure formed by wrapping one side across the other and fastening at the side or back. The wrap structure forms a flattering v-shaped neckline suitable for various body shapes.
If you’re looking for the perfect summer dress to see you through the season, opting for a fit that flatters your body shape will help you feel comfortable and confident, making it easier to change your style whenever you like. Whether you’re looking for a long, flowing maxi dress or a basic strappy midi dress, browsing different styles will help you find the best option.
What to wear with a summer dress
Once you’ve chosen a summer dress you love, you can begin planning outfits to suit various occasions. By incorporating different garments, you can easily change your dress’s aesthetic and create several different looks. Discover what to wear with a summer dress by reading our tips below.
Add a jacket
One way to add another dimension to your summer dress is by wearing an on-trend jacket. Denim is a versatile fabric that can be paired with absolutely anything, and it is ideal for adding a casual element to an elegant summer dress. You can complete your daytime look with a lightweight denim jacket or a sleeveless denim vest to keep warm on those chilly summer evenings. You could even wear fitted denim jeggings for a more relaxed look if your mini dress is short.
If you want to smarten up your summer dress, there are many jacket styles that are guaranteed to elevate your look. Try a leather biker jacket to add an edge to your ensemble or a smart blazer for the perfect evening outfit. Wearing a jacket with your dress will help create a more striking aesthetic and make you stand out.
Layer your dress with knitwear
You can also layer your summer dress with cosy knits to create an attractive contrast between textures. Whether you prefer cute cropped cardigans with buttons, longline open-front cardigans or smart and casual jumpers, you can transform your ensemble by adding your favourite knitwear pieces.
Layering your summer dress allows you to curate multiple outfits suitable for every season. While you might not usually wear summer dresses in the colder months, layering knitwear pieces over the top will add extra warmth to your outfit and protect you from the elements. You can also wear opaque knitted tights for the ultimate cold-weather staple.
What shoes go with summer dresses?
The types of shoes you wear play an important part in determining the style of your dress. Whether your gown is smart or casual, the right shoes can change the direction of your look effortlessly.
Casual trainers
You can wear trainers with various dress styles, from simple day dresses to smarter-fitted designs. They provide excellent comfort and give your outfit a dressed-down feel, so it can be worn for any occasion, whether for work, running errands or a weekend day trip.
Trainers come in many designs, from sleek slip-ons to chunky lace-up styles. Some classic white sneakers will offer contrast if your dress is colourful and patterned. However, if your dress features a simple block colour, your trainers can be as bold as you like! Bright and patterned trainers are an excellent way to add colour to any summer outfit.
Heels
Looking for ways to smarten up your summer dress? A sophisticated pair of heels offer the perfect solution, as they can make any dress suitable for a special occasion. From sturdy block heels and ankle boots to barely-there stiletto sandals, heeled shoes create the illusion of a taller silhouette, making them one of the most flattering shoe styles you can wear.
Why not try a supportive pair of wedges for a more comfortable option? Closed-toe wedges allow you to elevate your look without compromising on comfort and create a more laid-back outfit that you can take from day to night. Espadrille wedges are great for the summer months as they can be worn with various colours, patterns and fabrics; however, there are plenty of options on the market to suit your taste.
What accessories to wear with a summer dress
When your outfit is complete, you can keep it simple, stop there, or add stylish finishing touches with various accessories. If your dress has a minimal design, you can add a point of interest to your ensemble by adding various jewellery pieces. Whether you prefer delicate or statement styles, a pretty necklace, bracelet, ring, or earrings can instantly tie your look together. Try adding your favourite jewellery pieces to create an aesthetic you love.
You’ll also need a great bag to complement your summer dress. Backpacks and crossbody bags are ideal for daytime wear as they are practical, functional, and add to a casual outfit. Clutch bags are ideal for an evening look, offering a more decorative touch that matches or contrasts your dress’ details. From embellished styles to colourful designs, you can use your bag to determine the look of your dress.
Summer dresses at Yumi
There are so many ways to wear summer dresses, especially as there are so many dress styles for you to choose from. However, you can create a gorgeous go-to outfit for your summer wardrobe with the right garments. Whether planning a day in the sun or looking for the perfect night-out outfit, there are plenty of options to explore.
At Yumi, we offer a stunning selection of women’s summer dresses ideal for enjoying the warm weather. Our collection features wearable colours, patterns and lengths, so you’re guaranteed to find an option you love. We also offer everything you need to style your dress, including jackets, shoes and accessories, so you can easily create various looks to suit any occasion. Explore our extensive range today and choose from simple and statement designs to fit your summer theme.
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